320 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



The Secretary read the following extracts and translations] 

 received from Europe and elsewhere, by the last steamers, viz : 



FAIR AT SAN FRANCISCO, 1857. 

 Cabbage, 72 lbs.; 4 squashes on one vine, 800 lbs.; beet, 85 lbs.; 

 apple, 15 inches round; peaches, 10 inches round; splendid white 

 grapes; pear, 16 inches round, weight 26 ounces; Duchesse d'An- 

 gouleme i)ear, 28 ounces. 



ARTESIAN WELLS IN THE DESERT OF AFRICA. 



What a step of modern science for the Sahara ! 



The Moniteur, of Algeria, states that the first well was bored in 

 1856, in the Oasis of Oued Rir, near Tamerraa, by a detachment 

 of the Foreign Legion, conducted by the engineer, Mr. Jus. Began 

 in May; they obtained water in June ; about 4,000 quarts per 

 minute; about 600 hogsheads per hour ; temperature, 21 Reau- 

 mur=about 75" Fahrenheit. The joy of the natives was un- 

 bounded — a miracle ! The Marabouts with great solemnity, before 

 a great crowd, consecrated the new well by the name of The Well 

 of Peace. 



Another bore in Temakin, gave 120 quarts per minute ; same 

 temperature; depth about 270 feet! 



A third, not far distant, in the Oasis of Tamalhet, gave 120 qts. 

 a minute. 



These supplies of water on the deserts, will effect a wonderful 

 revolution — for they can be made to irrigate and produce vege- 

 tation rich, where none ever was before ! 



[Bulletin Mensuelde la Societe Imperiale Zoologique d'Acclimatation, Paris, Sept., 1857.] 



THE OLIVE OF THE CRIMEA. 

 By M. 0. Tuyssuzian. 

 In consequence of a note which I had the honor to write to the 

 society on the Crimean olive, our very zealous secretary, M Dupin, 

 hastened to write a flattering letter on the warm interest I have 

 in this great question, of such vital importance to our southern 

 agriculture. It is with the happiest feelings that I give the ensu- 

 ing details. 



